Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide, causing debilitating symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about traumatic events. While PTSD can feel overwhelming, there is hope—and EMDR therapy has emerged as one of the most effective treatments available.
The World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, and Department of Veterans Affairs all recognize EMDR as a frontline treatment for PTSD. This guide explores how EMDR helps people recover from trauma and why it’s become a preferred treatment option for therapists and patients alike.
Why EMDR Works for PTSD
PTSD occurs when the brain fails to properly process a traumatic experience. The memory remains “stuck” in its raw, unprocessed form, complete with all the emotions, physical sensations, and survival responses that occurred during the original event. This is why trauma survivors often feel like they’re reliving the experience rather than simply remembering it.
EMDR therapy helps by:
- Unlocking stuck memories: Bilateral stimulation appears to activate the brain’s natural healing processes, allowing traumatic memories to be properly processed and stored
- Reducing emotional intensity: After EMDR processing, most people can recall the traumatic event without experiencing overwhelming emotional or physical responses
- Changing negative beliefs: EMDR helps replace trauma-related beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault” with more adaptive perspectives
- Resolving physical symptoms: The body scan component addresses physical tension and sensations associated with trauma
What the Research Shows
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched treatments for PTSD. The evidence is compelling:
Key Research Findings
- 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer met PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute sessions (studies by Rothbaum, Wilson, and others)
- 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions in a VA study
- Comparable to CBT: Multiple studies show EMDR produces results similar to trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Faster results: Some research suggests EMDR may achieve results in fewer sessions than traditional therapy
- Better tolerated: EMDR doesn’t require detailed verbal description of trauma or homework, making it easier for some patients
Official Recognition
- World Health Organization (2013): Recommends EMDR as one of only two therapies for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD
- American Psychological Association: Gives EMDR a “conditional recommendation” for PTSD treatment
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Lists EMDR among “strongly recommended” treatments for PTSD
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies: Recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment
Types of Trauma EMDR Addresses
EMDR has been successfully used to treat PTSD resulting from various traumatic experiences:
- Combat and military trauma: Veterans Affairs hospitals increasingly use EMDR for service-related PTSD
- Sexual assault and abuse: One of the original populations studied by Dr. Shapiro
- Childhood trauma: Including abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Accidents and injuries: Car accidents, workplace injuries, medical trauma
- Natural disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and their aftermath
- Witnessing violence: Including first responders and witnesses to traumatic events
- Complex PTSD: Results from repeated or prolonged trauma, though treatment may take longer
What to Expect in EMDR Treatment for PTSD
Assessment Phase
Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your trauma history and current symptoms. They’ll help you identify specific memories to target and ensure you have adequate coping skills before processing begins.
Preparation Phase
Before processing traumatic memories, you’ll learn:
- Relaxation and grounding techniques
- The “safe place” visualization exercise
- How to handle emotional disturbance between sessions
- What to expect during processing
Processing Sessions
During EMDR processing:
- You’ll focus on a traumatic memory while following the therapist’s finger movements or other bilateral stimulation
- You’ll notice what comes up—thoughts, feelings, sensations—without trying to control them
- The therapist guides you through sets of eye movements, checking in periodically
- Processing continues until the memory no longer causes significant distress
- Positive beliefs are strengthened to replace negative trauma-related beliefs
Duration of Treatment
Treatment length varies based on trauma complexity:
- Single-incident adult-onset trauma: May resolve in 3-6 sessions
- Multiple traumas: Usually requires more sessions, potentially several months
- Complex PTSD/childhood trauma: May need extended treatment to address multiple memories and build resources
EMDR vs. Other PTSD Treatments
EMDR vs. Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Both are effective, but EMDR:
- Doesn’t require detailed verbal recounting of trauma
- Has no homework assignments
- May be easier for patients who struggle to verbalize their experience
- Often produces faster results in some studies
EMDR vs. Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT focuses more on changing thoughts about trauma, while EMDR:
- Works more directly with memory and emotional processing
- Requires less written homework
- May feel less intellectually demanding
EMDR vs. Medication
EMDR offers advantages over medication-only approaches:
- Addresses root causes rather than just symptoms
- Effects tend to be lasting after treatment ends
- No side effects or dependency concerns
- Can be combined with medication when appropriate
Is EMDR Right for Your PTSD?
EMDR may be especially suitable if you:
- Have clear traumatic memories that continue to cause distress
- Experience flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
- Haven’t responded well to talk therapy alone
- Find it difficult to verbalize your trauma
- Want a structured, time-limited approach
- Are looking for an alternative to long-term medication
Considerations
EMDR requires working with a trained therapist and isn’t suitable for self-treatment of PTSD. However, bilateral stimulation exercises can be used as a complementary practice for general stress management.
If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms, the most important step is reaching out for help. A qualified therapist can assess whether EMDR is appropriate for your situation and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Finding EMDR Treatment
To find a certified EMDR therapist:
- Search the EMDRIA Therapist Directory
- Ask your healthcare provider for referrals
- Check if your local VA offers EMDR (for veterans)
- Many therapists now offer online EMDR sessions
Recovery from PTSD is possible. EMDR has helped millions of trauma survivors reclaim their lives, and it may be able to help you too.